When you’ve been with your partner for a number of years, finding ways to surprise them on their birthday can seem harder and harder. By taking advantage of last-minute flight deals, you can fly to destinations around Europe for cheap.
The only thing you need to decide then is where to take them. Of course, where you choose will depend on what things your partner likes, but check out the ideas for low-cost last-minute getaways below to help gain some inspiration.
City break
A city break is a great idea for a romantic getaway, particularly if you only have a weekend or so before you have to come back home. The advantage of this kind of holiday is that you have loads to see and do right on your doorstep, without having to travel long distances and waste valuable time. There are plenty of fantastic cities short with flights from the UK that would be ideal for a birthday surprise. You could opt to go down the ultra-romantic route with a trip to Paris or Venice, while Barcelona is a perennial favourite thanks to its mix of vibrant night life, rich culture and nearby beaches.
To add to the surprise element, however, you might want to shun the usual city break favourites for somewhere a little less well known. Malaga, in Spain, for example, offers just as much traditional Spanish charm as Madrid and Barcelona, while its southerly location means it enjoys good weather for most of the year.
Culture
If your better half likes nothing more than a day spent marvelling at artwork or admiring architecture, then you have several choices for a perfect surprise holiday destination. How about Amsterdam, for example? The city is packed with amazing museums and galleries, such as the Van Gogh Museum, home of the world’s largest collection of works by the tortured Dutch artist, and the Rijksmuseum, which houses Vermeer’s Kitchen Maid and Rembrandt’s Night Watch among its many treasures.
Another great option for high culture is Munich, home to numerous museums and art galleries, as well as spectacular architecture ranging from ancient times right through the Middle Ages and into the modern era. You can even hire a car and head out of the city, checking out such amazing Bavarian sights as the famed Neuschwanstein Castle.
Fun in the sun
Culture is all well and good, but sometimes what you need is just a few days to relax on the beach with a cocktail bathed in glorious sunshine. Where you go for this will depend on what time of year you travel. In summer, for example, there’s a huge list of places you can go around Europe for guaranteed sunshine.
If, however, you’re going out of season, it’s best to head as far south as possible without going over budget. One option could be Gibraltar, right on the tip of Spain, which sees average high temperatures reach the high teens throughout spring and autumn. You could go even further and head to Egypt, with resorts such as Sharm el-Sheikh and Luxor hot all year round and not as expensive to fly to as you might think.